The model railroad layout begins with the benchwork. In starting to design and plan a layout, the first component you have to consider is how to maximize your space and build a structure that suits your unique specifications. For a little bit of help deciding the best option, we like to turn to the experts to see how they handled their specific situation.

In this segment, host Allen Keller visits the in-progress HO scale layout of master modeler George Sellios to learn about the technique he used to build the benchwork that holds up his Franklin & South Manchester Railroad. He explains which kind of benchwork made sense for the type of layout he was looking to construct and the size trains he wanted to incorporate on the finished tracks.

Then, the conversation shifts and Allen asks George about his impressive use of lighting, which not only highlights the spectacular structures George is known for but also helps to set the scene. He talks about his thought process for picking the right lighting with a bit of trial and error. Take a tip from the master and see what you can do to improve the lighting and benchwork on your next layout!

David Barrow’s HO scale layout of Cat Mountain & Santa Fe Railway has experienced many changes over the years, including an enlarged room and redone track plan. The room that houses David’s innovative West Texas layout has needed to be expanded at least three times over the years in order to make way for new

When setting out to build model railroad scenery, there are a number of methods you can use to create the landscape that makes up your layout. For hillsides and mountains, modelers most often opt for wire mesh and plaster molding, but if you think this process takes too long or seems too messy for your

When it comes to building the benchwork and structure for model railroads, there are a variety of options you can choose depending on the type of layout you want to create. Some experts will tell you that a certain technique is preferable over all others, but the fact is that each has its upsides and

The proper way to construct a model railroad yard layout has been a point of contention for modelers for decades. For many years, the tried-and-true method was to create a balloon-shaped staging yard complete with complex turnouts and switches. Eventually, though, pioneers of the field such as Tony Koester realized there was a better way